Airframe Mechanic Certification Airframe Inspection Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document defines the minimum inspection requirements for a 100-hour inspection on a certificated aircraft?
- 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 91.409
- AC 43.13-1B
- The aircraft's weight and balance report
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D lists the scope and detail of items to be included in annual and 100-hour inspections.
Question 2: When inspecting a fuselage skin for corrosion, which type is most difficult to detect because it forms beneath the surface?
- Uniform surface corrosion
- Intergranular corrosion (Correct answer)
- Galvanic corrosion
- Filiform corrosion
Correct answer: Intergranular corrosion
Intergranular corrosion attacks grain boundaries beneath the surface and may not be visible until the metal blisters or delaminate.
Question 3: During a control surface inspection, you notice the hinge pin has 0.010 inch of lateral play. The manufacturer's limit is 0.005 inch. What is the correct action?
- Lubricate the hinge and re-check
- Document and monitor at next inspection
- Replace the hinge assembly before returning to service (Correct answer)
- Apply safety wire to restrict movement
Correct answer: Replace the hinge assembly before returning to service
Exceeding manufacturer limits requires replacement before return to service; documenting and monitoring is not acceptable when a limit is exceeded.
Question 4: A mechanic performs a 100-hour inspection and discovers a cracked engine mount. Who must sign the return-to-service entry after the repair?
- Any certificated A&P mechanic (Correct answer)
- Only an IA (Inspection Authorization) holder
- The aircraft owner
- A certificated repair station only
Correct answer: Any certificated A&P mechanic
An A&P mechanic may approve a repair for return to service; an IA is only required to approve the annual inspection itself.
Question 5: Which NDT method is best suited for detecting subsurface cracks in aluminum airframe structure without removing paint?
- Dye penetrant inspection
- Magnetic particle inspection
- Eddy current inspection (Correct answer)
- Visual inspection with magnification
Correct answer: Eddy current inspection
Eddy current inspection can detect subsurface flaws in non-ferrous metals through paint and coatings without removal.
Question 6: When is a logbook entry for an inspection considered complete per 14 CFR Part 43.11?
- When the mechanic verbally notifies the owner
- When the date, aircraft total time, and mechanic signature/certificate number are recorded (Correct answer)
- When the FAA Form 8130-3 is filed
- When a squawk sheet is attached to the airframe log
Correct answer: When the date, aircraft total time, and mechanic signature/certificate number are recorded
Part 43.11 requires the entry to include the date, aircraft total time in service, and the signature and certificate number of the approving mechanic.
Question 7: During an airframe inspection, a mechanic finds a dent in the fuselage skin that is 3 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch deep with no cracks. According to AC 43.13-1B, what is the primary concern?
- The dent changes aerodynamic drag
- The dent may indicate internal structural damage (Correct answer)
- The paint must be stripped for further evaluation only
- A dent of this size is always within limits
Correct answer: The dent may indicate internal structural damage
Dents can indicate underlying structural damage such as cracked frames or stringers that require inspection of internal structure.
Airframe Mechanic Certification Airframe Inspection Procedures 2
Which document defines the minimum inspection requirements for a 100-hour inspection on a certificated aircraft?